Mining Foundation of the Southwest

Georges Ordoñez was a member of the generation of visionary, strong-willed and hard working professionals in the mid-20^th century who were directly responsible for the current abundance of the world’s developed mineral resources. Born in Mexico City, Mexico, on March 20, 1907, he graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in 1929 with an Engineer of Mines (EM) degree. Early in his career (1929-1939) he was involved with petroleum exploration and production in the United States, Venezuela, and Mexico. In 1940, he joined Kennecott Copper Corporation and for 21 years was instrumental in the development of several copper districts in the southwest US, and also in the discovery of the copper porphyry belt in Puerto Rico.

After leaving Kennecott in 1961, Mr. Ordoñez was a member of the faculties at the universities in Mexico City and in Guanajuato, and was an active member of the boards of directors for numerous mining companies and director of the Mexican Chamber of Mines. Throughout his career, he enjoyed working with young people, both in the classroom and in the field. His many honors include the Medal of Distinguished Achievement from the Colorado School of Mines in 1964, and the Minero Distinguido (Distinguished Miner) from the Mexican Chamber of Mines in 1984. He was an active member of the Mexican Mining Association, the Geological Society of Mexico, the Geochemical Society, the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG), the Geological Society of America (GSA), and A.I.M.E.

Georges Ordoñez died prematurely in 1982 while still an active, energetic professional and a happy family man.

Mining Foundation of the Southwest
P.O. Box 42317
Tucson, Arizona 85733
Tel: 520-577-7519
Fax: 520-577-7073
E-mail: admin@miningfoundationsw.org